Ben Ellis
Ben leading back Newry after breaking down at Kempton, 1914
1876 - 1946
1876 - 1946
National Hunt jockey Benjamin Thomas Ellis was born in 1876 at Caterham, Surrey. He rode a total of 90 winners over jumps in Britain.
National Hunt jockey Benjamin Thomas Ellis was born in 1876 at Caterham, Surrey. He rode a total of 90 winners over jumps in Britain.
The first of those came courtesy of Master Harry in the Smethwick Selling Chase at Birmingham on October 14, 1901.
The first of those came courtesy of Master Harry in the Smethwick Selling Chase at Birmingham on October 14, 1901.
He rode 13 winners in 1904 but was unlucky in that he was booked to ride Moifaa that year’s Grand National, but he had to miss the winning ride because of injury.
He rode 13 winners in 1904 but was unlucky in that he was booked to ride Moifaa that year’s Grand National, but he had to miss the winning ride because of injury.
Ben equalled his best score of 13 wins in 1913 but lost part of his career as a result of World War One.
Ben equalled his best score of 13 wins in 1913 but lost part of his career as a result of World War One.
He resumed riding after the war and gained his biggest victory on Gallesian in the 1921 National Hunt Juvenile Chase at Cheltenham’s National Hunt meeting. He had his sole Grand National ride that same year, 1921, aboard 100-1 outsider Charlbury, but was among the fallers.
He resumed riding after the war and gained his biggest victory on Gallesian in the 1921 National Hunt Juvenile Chase at Cheltenham’s National Hunt meeting. He had his sole Grand National ride that same year, 1921, aboard 100-1 outsider Charlbury, but was among the fallers.
Ben rode for the final time at Fontwell Park on October 6, 1925, finishing second on Wee Laddie in the Arun Selling Handicap Hurdle.
Ben rode for the final time at Fontwell Park on October 6, 1925, finishing second on Wee Laddie in the Arun Selling Handicap Hurdle.
After quitting the saddle he became a groom at Weyhill Stables, in Hampshire, later moving to Epsom in a similar capacity.
After quitting the saddle he became a groom at Weyhill Stables, in Hampshire, later moving to Epsom in a similar capacity.
Sadly, Benjamin Ellis died on Saturday, October 12, 1946, at Dorking hospital as the result of injuries received while riding in training gallops on Epsom Downs.
Sadly, Benjamin Ellis died on Saturday, October 12, 1946, at Dorking hospital as the result of injuries received while riding in training gallops on Epsom Downs.
